New NEC Processing Factory Expected to Boost Farmers’ Incomes and Uganda’s Exports
GOMBA – The commissioning of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Meat and Beans Processing Factory in Kisozi, Gomba District, on Wednesday is expected to transform Uganda’s agricultural value chain by creating a reliable market for farmers, generating jobs and increasing the country’s export earnings.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially opened the facility, describing it as an important investment that supports the government’s strategy of promoting industrialisation through value addition.
The factory, a joint venture between the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and Kenyan investor Francis Ragwa, will process locally produced meat and beans, reducing Uganda’s dependence on exporting raw agricultural products and enabling producers to earn more from their harvests.
Speaking during the commissioning, President Museveni said Uganda has sufficient livestock and agricultural production to meet the factory’s demand for raw materials. He noted that continued growth in coffee, milk and livestock production has been made possible through improved organisation of farmers and pledged that the government would continue mobilising producers to increase output.
The President also urged government ministries to create an enabling environment for investors by ensuring the availability of infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water. He said supporting investment is key to accelerating economic transformation and creating employment opportunities.
The new processing plant is expected to have far-reaching benefits for farmers, particularly livestock keepers and bean growers, who will gain access to a stable market for their produce. With increased demand from the factory, producers are likely to expand production, improve quality and invest more in commercial farming.
Beyond agriculture, the factory is expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities in processing, transport, packaging, logistics and other support services, while stimulating business activity in Gomba District and surrounding areas.
The investment is also expected to strengthen Uganda’s food processing industry by producing higher-value products for both local and international markets. This aligns with the government’s long-term objective of increasing export earnings through value addition and reducing post-harvest losses.
As Uganda continues to attract investment in agro-processing, the NEC Meat and Beans Processing Factory is expected to play a significant role in linking farmers to industry, promoting rural development and advancing the country’s industrialisation agenda.
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